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One of the bright spots of this time year, regardless of the dismal and long winter, is that it is that time of year for beef producers to do their bull shopping. I always enjoy getting out to the bull sales to visit with folks I haven’t seen in a while.

For cattlemen looking to purchase a new herd sire this bull-sale season, it’s time to develop a priority list to serve as a guide when analyzing data, videos and live cattle. That’s according to American Angus Association Regional Manager Rod Geppert who says decisions made today will affect herd quality for generations to come.

Geppert: “I think for anyone looking or a herd sire, I encourage them first to do your homework and make a priority list of guides of what you need: whether that is calving ease, looking for a heifer bull or a cow bull. Your main priority is getting a live calf on the ground but at that the same time you want them to perform once they get up and grow. If you are looking for the multi-trait dollar selection indexes — like dollar weaning beef or dollar beef. Depending on how you want to market your cattle and what kind of feed resources.”

Regardless of which breed you are looking for there are some excellent bull sales coming up in the next month or so Just to name a few: Adams Connection in Blackfoot, Trinity Farms in Ellensburg, Vision Angus Bull Sale from Amherst and Thomas Angus Ranch in Baker City as well two bull test sales — the Snake River Bull Test Sale as well as the Washington Cattlemen’s Association Bull Test and Sale.